Sri Lankan president calls for national unity

Traditional dancers perform during Sri Lanka's 67th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo February 4, 2015. Sri Lanka obtained independence from British rule in 1948. [Photo/Agencies]

COLOMBO - Sri Lanka's newly-elected president Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday called for national unity on the island, stating that despite the end of the country's civil war which ended in 2009, there was still a need to reconcile the communities in the North and South.

The president, speaking at the country's 67th Independence Day anniversary celebrations, noted that following the 30 years of war, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and former army commander Sarath Fonseka ensured the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and established peace in Sri Lanka.

He however said the hearts of the people in the North and South of the country have yet to reconcile and that would be one of the objectives of his government.

Sirisena came into power following the defeat of his opponent Mahinda Rajapaksa in a presidential election which was held in the country last month and has since then pledged to fight corruption and ensure the freedom of all communities.